In the recent parliamentary election held on Sunday, Kosovo’s ruling Vetevendosje party emerged as the frontrunner. However, preliminary results released Monday indicate that the party did not secure the outright majority required to govern independently, necessitating potential coalition partnerships.
Although there has been a decline in backing since the 2021 vote, the outcome positions Prime Minister Albin Kurti to head the forthcoming government in the tiny Balkan nation, where political dynamics are heavily influenced by its ties with neighbouring Serbia and the Serbian population within its territory.
The administration under Kurti, characterised by its leftist and Albanian nationalist stance, is expected to persist in consolidating government authority in the northern region, home to approximately 50,000 ethnic Serbs. This demographic resists acknowledging Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008.
Concerns are mounting among moderates regarding the potential resurgence of ethnic violence that has plagued the region in recent years.
According to the election commission, Vetevendosje secured 41.3% of the votes, with 88% of ballots counted. This marks a decline from the over 50% support the party garnered in the 2021 election, which resulted in a coalition led by Vetevendosje taking power. The Democratic Party of Kosovo, in opposition, secured 21.8% of the vote, while the Democratic League of Kosovo followed with 17.8%.
“Preliminary results indicate a definitive outcome: the Vetevendosje movement has emerged victorious in the elections held on February 9, 2025,” Kurti announced to enthusiastic supporters in the capital Pristina, where celebrations erupted with fireworks, drumbeats, and the waving of Albanian flags.
In a recent address, Kurti directed sharp criticism at potential coalition partners, labelling the opposition as “animals” and “thieves” who are prepared to strike a deal “with the devil” in opposition to his government.
Amid a contentious election campaign marked by a significant increase in fines for misconduct compared to the 2021 poll, Kurti declared his intention to reject any coalition governance.
Political analyst Belgzim Kamberi, based in Pristina, informed Reuters that Kurti may need to negotiate with a second or third party or permit the opposition to establish a new government.
“Kosovo is currently experiencing a period of institutional instability,” he stated.
Kosovo, predominantly inhabited by ethnic Albanians, is Europe’s most recent nation and ranks among its least affluent. The region achieved independence from Serbia in 2008, receiving support from the United States following a 78-day NATO bombing campaign targeting Serbian forces in 1999.
The election campaign featured discussions on corruption, crime, health, and education. However, overshadowing these issues is the situation in the north, where Kurti’s efforts to diminish the autonomy of ethnic Serbs have heightened tensions and distanced the region from the European Union and the United States.
